GRI (Global Reporting Initiative) is an internationally recognized standard for CSR reporting to help organizations set goals, measure performance, and manage change in order to make their operations more sustainable. The guidelines are now in their 4th version (G4).

G4 process in a few words:
– Identify your company’s “Material Aspects”, e.g. the environmental, social and other CSR impacts that your organization is facing and how they relate to the broader sustainability context. In this sense, you will be focused only on what truly matters and how it impacts your stakeholders. When defining such issues, it is fundamental to consult them to match your organization’s priorities with theirs. This step is also called “Defining Report Content”.
– Prepare the data to be submitted in the report: the “General Standard Disclosures” (including “Material Aspects” and “Stakeholder Engagement”) and “Specific Standard Disclosures”, whose contents will depend on the “Identified Material Aspects”. Here you can choose the extent to which your company wishes to report, with “Core” and “Comprehensive” option. During this step, “Principles for Quality” are to be complied to make sure that the report is comparable, accurate, understandable,…
– Write and shape the report. You can choose any structure, for instance according to your strategy’s pillars. You just need to include the GRI index showing the indicators can be found. If the report is not complete, a given statement will be added.
– Publish your report and notify GRI.

ISO 14001 is an internationally recognized standard for environmental management systems. Since 2012, a technical committee has been revising the existing norm to publish a new version in September 2015.

How will it impact certified companies?

Companies certified in accordance with ISO 14001 former versions (2004 or the amended version of 2009) are given a three-year period to adapt their environmental management system according to the 2015 version.

All certificates in accordance with 14001:2004 will be invalid from 15/09/2015

What are the main changes of this version?

Integrated approach with other standards like ISO 9001 by using the same definitions and terms

A more strategic environmental management by identifying and leveraging opportunities that are beneficial to the environment and the company

New clause on leadership with specific roles to promote environmental management within the organization

A focus on protecting the environment through committing to proactive initiatives

A focus on objectives measurement and change

A new requirement on communication

An extension of the scope of application: the organization also needs to take into account product design and development as well as controlling outsourced processes